Old English Sheepdog dog
Large breed regular energy Long coat Herding Group

Old English Sheepdog

Adaptable, Gentle, Smart

Beneath the Old English Sheepdogโ€™s profuse double coat is a muscular and compact drover, with plenty of bone and a big rump, standing 21 or 22 inches at the shoulder. Their eyes (when you can see them) are dark brown, or blue, or one of each. The OES breed standard says the skullโ€ฆ

โš–๏ธ 60โ€“100 lbs (27.22โ€“45.36 kg) ๐Ÿ“ 21โ€“22" ๐ŸŽ‚ 10โ€“12 yr lifespan ๐Ÿง  Intelligence #63 โ€” below-average

Old English Sheepdog Characteristics

Energy

60%

Shedding

60%

Trainability

40%

Grooming

60%

Friendliness

60%

Coat Type

Long coat

2-3 Times a Week Brushing

Breed Data

๐Ÿง 
#63
Intelligence
๐ŸŽ‚
11.2yr
Avg lifespan
๐Ÿ’ฐ
$23K
Lifetime cost
๐Ÿ–
$710/yr
Annual food
๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ง
Great
With kids
๐Ÿฉบ
1
Known conditions

Known genetic concerns: hip problems

Expert Picks for Old English Sheepdogs

โญ Top Pick Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed

dog food

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed

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Premium natural choice for large breeds with good coat & immune supporโ€ฆ

KONG Extreme Dog Toy

toys

KONG Extreme Dog Toy

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The #1 chew toy for heavy chewers โ€” nothing else comes closeโ€ฆ

Big Barker 7" Orthopedic Dog Bed

beds

Big Barker 7" Orthopedic Dog Bed

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The only dog bed backed by a clinical study โ€” worth every cent for larโ€ฆ

Embark Dog DNA Test Kit

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Embark Dog DNA Test Kit

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Best DNA test overall โ€” unmatched health screening depthโ€ฆ

Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar

training

Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.4

Best GPS collar for active owners โ€” 3-month battery is class-leadingโ€ฆ

Skout's Honor Probiotic Dog Grooming Spray

grooming

Skout's Honor Probiotic Dog Grooming Spray

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Best probiotic coat spray โ€” supports skin microbiome health between baโ€ฆ

Old English Sheepdog Care Tips

โœ“

Benefits from 30-60 minutes daily exercise โ€” walks, play sessions, or swimming.

โœ“

Seasonal shedder โ€” daily brushing during spring and fall coat blows is essential.

โœ“

Brush 2-3ร— weekly to maintain coat condition and reduce shedding around the home.

Who the Old English Sheepdog Suits

  • โœ“

    Recommended for experienced owners โ€” high owner difficulty rating of 7/10.

  • โœ“

    Urban-friendly: adapts well to flat or townhouse living provided daily exercise is consistent.

  • โœ“

    Naturally friendly and intelligent, it integrates well into family life when socialised early.

  • โœ“

    Working heritage means it needs a job or structured activity โ€” under-stimulation leads to problem behaviours.

Grooming commitment: high โ€” daily brushing minimum, professional trim every 8โ€“10 weeks

All Old English Sheepdog Guides

๐Ÿ’ฐ

Old English Sheepdog Cost Calculator

Puppy price, annual costs & lifetime estimate โ†’

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FCI Classification

FCI Group

Group 1 โ€” Sheepdogs and Cattledogs

Section

Herdershonden

Status

recognized